Angela Merkel gave a much-needed vote of confidence to the new Greek
Government today — but stopped short of granting the country more time to
meet its fiscal targets.

The German Chancellor, after talks with the Greek Prime Minister Antonis
Samaras, said that she believed his three-party coalition Government would
implement the required reforms.

“I’m totally persuaded that this new Government under the prime ministership
of Mr Samaras is doing everything to resolve the problems in Greece,” Ms
Merkel said. “We know that many sacrifices will be necessary and we know
that a five-year recession is extremely difficult. Germany has always